A proposed outdoor sculpture by New York City artist Richard Serra involved 40-foot dual steel towers shaped in an offset V — and destined to rust. A public outcry against the idea — detractors dubbed it “The Shaft” — prompted the Civic Center Authority to reject the proposal.

That paved the way for Sonar Tide, designed by another New York sculptor, Ronald Bladen, considered a “father of minimalism.” Later, in describing his conception of the work, he recalled, “I immediately saw a curve when I came to Peoria. I wanted to retain the openness and freedom and not split the plaza.”

Sonar Tide received favorable public reaction. Critics lauded it was Bladen’s finest design to date.

The massive work, fabricated by local craftsman Daniel Van Buskirk, was dedicated May 23, 1983. Consisting of 14 tons of welded steel, it stretches more than 51 feet long and 26 feet high.